Category: Religious beliefs

Jainism, an ancient Indian religion, holds the principle of non-violence (ahimsa) as its central pillar, influencing every aspect of a follower's life, including diet. This ethical framework provides a clear answer to the query: are Jain people allowed to drink? The consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden for all Jains, both monks and laypersons, for profound spiritual and ethical reasons.

While surveys show a vast majority of Hindus consider cow slaughter unacceptable, the question of whether eating pork is against Hinduism is far more complex and varied across communities and traditions. Unlike beef, which is widely revered and avoided, the position on pork is nuanced, with no single, universal rule governing its consumption.

According to ancient Ayurvedic texts, onions and garlic are classified as rajasic and tamasic foods, which are believed to increase passion, aggression, and lethargy. This classification is one of the many reasons why some cultures not eat garlic and onions, rooted deeply in spiritual and dietary philosophies.

While red lentils, or masoor dal, are a common source of plant-based protein, specific Hindu traditions lead some communities to avoid them. This dietary practice stems from a mix of ancient mythological legends, spiritual classifications of food, and regional cultural beliefs that categorize the legume as 'tamasic' or impure.

While most vegetarian cuisines heavily feature garlic for flavor, specific religious and spiritual traditions offer clear reasons as to **why can't vegetarians eat garlic** in some contexts. These exclusions are not a rule for all vegetarians but stem from deep-seated philosophical principles concerning non-violence and spiritual purity.